White birch (Betula alba), is a species of birch native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is renowned for its striking white bark, which peels away in thin layers, and its delicate, pendulous leaves. Betula alba is widely used for its ornamental value in landscaping and for its various practical applications.
Botanical Classification:
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fagales
Family: Betulaceae
Genus: Betula
Species: Betula alba
Plant Characteristics:
Betula alba is characterized by:
Appearance: A medium-sized deciduous tree that typically grows to a height of 10 to 15 meters, occasionally reaching up to 25 meters. It has a distinctive white bark with black knots and a papery texture.
Leaves: Oval to triangular-shaped leaves, 3 to 7 cm long, with a serrated edge. The leaves turn yellow in autumn before falling.
Flowers: Catkins that appear in early spring before the leaves. The male catkins are long and slender, while the female catkins are shorter and cone-like.
Growth Habit: A fast-growing tree with a pyramidal to rounded crown. It thrives in a variety of soil types and prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Chemical Composition and Structure:
Betula alba contains various chemical compounds with potential benefits:
Essential Oils: Contains compounds such as betulene and betulic acid, contributing to its aromatic properties.
Tannins: Found in the bark and leaves, offering astringent properties and potential antioxidant benefits.
Betulin and Betulinic Acid: Present in the bark, these compounds are studied for their potential anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties.
Uses and Benefits:
Aesthetic: Highly valued in landscaping for its attractive white bark and elegant foliage. Commonly used in urban green spaces and ornamental gardens.
Cosmetic: Extracts of Betula alba are used in skincare products for their astringent, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties. Betulinic acid from the bark is particularly noted for its potential benefits.
Medicinal: Traditional uses include treatments for various ailments such as skin conditions and inflammatory issues. Betula alba’s components have been studied for their potential therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Practical: The wood is used for making furniture, crafts, and as a source of birch syrup. The sap can be tapped in early spring and is consumed as a beverage or used in cooking.
Applications:
Landscaping: Planted for its ornamental qualities and to enhance garden aesthetics. Its striking bark and leaf color make it a popular choice for public and private gardens.
Cosmetics: Incorporated into skincare products like creams, lotions, and masks for its soothing and astringent properties.
Medicinal: Used in traditional remedies and modern formulations for its potential anti-inflammatory and therapeutic benefits.
Practical Uses: Wood is utilized in furniture making, crafts, and as a source of birch syrup. The sap can be consumed or used in culinary applications.
Environmental and Safety Considerations:
Environmental Impact: Betula alba is adaptable and can grow in various environments, contributing to urban green spaces and forest ecosystems. It supports local wildlife and biodiversity.
Safety: Generally safe to handle and use; however, individuals with sensitivities to birch pollen or those with specific allergies should exercise caution. Consult a healthcare provider before using Betula alba extracts for medicinal purposes.
INCI:
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.
Cosmetic astringent. This ingredient exerts a direct effect on the skin by tightening dilated pores by contracting stratum corneum cells and removing superfluous oil.
Cleansing agent. Ingredient that cleanses skin without exploiting the surface-active properties that produce a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum.
Soothing. Ingredient with the task of restoring moisture to the skin, helping in the healing process of irritation, inflammation and skin disorders.
Surfactant - Foam booster. It has the effect of introducing gas bubbles into the water and affects the cleaning process by helping to spread the cleanser. Since sebum has an inhibiting effect on the bubble, more foam is produced in the second shampoo.
Synonyms:
CAS: 84012-15-7 EC number 281-660-9